1.4301 Stainless Steel (X5CrNi18-10/AISI 304): The Industry Workhorse—Technical Insights, Applications, and 2025 Pricing Analysis

Product Details

Core Identity: Standards & Equivalent Grades

1.4301’s global acceptance is rooted in its compliance with leading international standards, ensuring consistency and interchangeability across markets. Key specifications include:

European: EN 10088-2 (X5CrNi18-10) – the primary standard defining its chemical composition and performance;
American: ASTM A240/A240M (AISI 304, UNS S30400) – the most recognized global alias for general-purpose use;
Japanese: JIS G4303 (SUS304) – tailored for Asian manufacturing sectors;
Chinese: GB/T 3280 (06Cr19Ni10) – domestic equivalent for construction and industrial applications;
ISO: ISO 15510 (X5CrNi18-10) – global harmonized standard for cross-industry compatibility.

This alignment means 1.4301 can seamlessly replace its equivalents in international projects, from European architectural cladding to American food processing lines.

Chemical Composition: The Foundation of Performance

The alloy’s properties are defined by its precise chemical makeup (per EN 10088-2), with strict limits on key elements to optimize corrosion resistance and workability:

Element	Content Range (%)	Typical Value (%)	Core Function
Carbon (C)	≤0.08	0.05	Enhances strength; controlled to avoid carbide precipitation and intergranular corrosion.
Chromium (Cr)	18.00–20.00	18.50	Forms a dense, self-healing Cr₂O₃ passive film—critical for corrosion resistance.
Nickel (Ni)	8.00–12.00	9.50	Stabilizes the austenitic microstructure, boosting ductility and low-temperature toughness.
Manganese (Mn)	≤2.00	1.40	Improves weld fusion and formability without compromising corrosion resistance.
Silicon (Si)	≤1.00	0.50	Enhances oxidation resistance and weld fluidity.
Phosphorus (P)	≤0.045	0.025	Strictly limited to prevent brittleness and welding defects.
Sulfur (S)	≤0.030	0.010	Minimized to avoid hot cracking during fabrication.
Nitrogen (N)	≤0.10	0.06	Auxiliary austenite stabilizer; boosts strength without reducing ductility.
Iron (Fe)	Remainder	70.29	Base metal providing structural integrity.

The chromium-nickel synergy is particularly critical: the passive film shields against atmospheric corrosion, food acids (e.g., vinegar, citrus), and mild industrial chemicals, while nickel ensures the alloy remains ductile even at cryogenic temperatures (-270°C).

Mechanical & Physical Properties: Balance for Versatility

1.4301’s mechanical performance strikes an ideal balance between strength and workability, making it suitable for both structural components and complex forming operations. Typical values for annealed material (the most common supply state):

Performance Indicator	Specification (EN 10088-2)	Typical Value	Key Implication
Yield Strength (Rp0.2, MPa)	≥205	210	Meets structural demands for most industrial and architectural applications.
Tensile Strength (Rm, MPa)	515–690	620	Balances durability with formability for bending, deep drawing, and welding.
Elongation (A50mm, %)	≥40	45	Enables complex fabrication (e.g., sink forming, pipe bending) without cracking.
Brinell Hardness (HB)	≤201	170	Resists wear while remaining machinable.
Impact Energy (CVN, J, -20°C)	≥270	310	Maintains toughness in low-temperature environments (e.g., refrigeration, cryogenics).
Magnetic Permeability	≤1.02	Non-magnetic	Ideal for electronic and medical equipment where magnetic interference is a risk.

Physically, it boasts a density of 7.93 g/cm³, a melting range of 1400–1450°C, and a thermal expansion coefficient of 17.2×10⁻⁶/°C (20–100°C)—factors that must be accounted for in high-temperature assemblies.

Product Forms & Surface Finishes: Adaptable to Every Need

1.4301 is supplied in a full range of product forms to suit diverse applications, with surface finishes tailored for functionality or aesthetics:

Core Product Forms

Sheets/Plates: Cold-rolled (0.4–6.0mm thick) for appliances and decorative use; hot-rolled (3.0–100mm thick) for industrial equipment and structural components;
Coils: Cold-rolled (0.15–3.0mm) for continuous stamping; hot-rolled (2.0–12.0mm) for large-scale fabrication;
Bars/Rods: Round (6–300mm), square, or hexagonal for fasteners, valves, and machining parts;
Pipes/Tubes: Seamless (6–630mm OD) for high-pressure applications; welded (6–1219mm OD) for fluid transport;
Wire: 0.1–10mm diameter for springs, mesh, and welding electrodes.

Common Surface Finishes

Finish Type	Characteristics	Applications
2B	Smooth, matte; annealed/passivated	Appliances, food processing equipment, industrial components.
BA	Mirror-like gloss; bright annealed	Decorative trim, electronic casings, automotive accents.
No.4	Fine linear texture; brushed	Kitchen sinks, countertops, architectural cladding.
Pickled & Passivated	Oxide-free; acid-treated	Welded structures, chemical equipment (enhanced corrosion resistance).

Production & Quality Control: Ensuring Consistency

Manufacturers follow rigorous processes to maintain 1.4301’s performance:

Raw Material Selection: High-purity iron, chromium (≥99.5%), and nickel (≥99.9%) to avoid impurity contamination;
Smelting: Electric arc furnace (EAF) melting + argon oxygen decarburization (AOD) to refine carbon content and remove sulfur/phosphorus;
Continuous Casting: Molten steel cast into slabs (for plates), billets (for bars), or blooms (for pipes);
Hot/Cold Working: Hot rolling to shape semi-finished products; cold rolling for precision thickness and surface finish;
Annealing: 1010–1120°C (air/water cooling) to dissolve carbides and restore ductility;
Pickling & Passivation: Nitric-hydrofluoric acid treatment to form a uniform passive film;
Quality Checks: Spectrometric analysis (chemical compliance), tensile/impact testing (mechanical properties), ultrasonic/eddy current testing (defect detection), and salt spray testing (corrosion resistance, ≥500 hours per ASTM B117).

Key Applications: From Consumer Goods to Heavy Industry

1.4301’s versatility makes it indispensable across sectors:

Food & Beverage: Commercial kitchen sinks, processing tanks, conveyors, and cookware (FDA-compliant, easy to sanitize);
Architecture: Facades, handrails, elevator panels, and roofing (weather-resistant, low-maintenance);
Chemical & Pharmaceutical: Pipes, valves, and tanks for mild corrosives (e.g., acetic acid, ethanol); sterile equipment for pharmaceuticals;
Automotive: Exhaust systems, decorative trim, and EV battery enclosures (corrosion-resistant to road salts);
Medical: Non-invasive surgical instruments, hospital bed frames, and device casings (non-magnetic, compatible with disinfectants);
Electronics: Smartphone casings, laptop bodies, and household appliance panels (aesthetic, non-magnetic).

2025 Pricing Analysis: Market Dynamics & Procurement Insights

As of Q4 2025, 1.4301’s pricing is shaped by raw material costs, regional supply-demand balances, and processing complexity. Below is the latest market data and key drivers:

Global Price Ranges (by Product Form)

Market Region	Product Specification	Price Range (USD/kg)	Notes
Chinese Domestic (Ex-Works)	1.0mm Cold-Rolled Sheet (2B)	1.80–1.85	Tax-included; bulk orders (≥5 tons); mainstream mills (Baoshan, Taiyuan).
Chinese Export (FOB Shanghai)	1.0mm Cold-Rolled Sheet (2B)	2.35–2.55	Minimum order: 20 tons; L/C payment terms.
European Market (Delivered)	1.0mm Cold-Rolled Sheet (2B)	3.45–3.75	Includes VAT (20%) and logistics; EN 1.4301 compliant.
US Market (Delivered)	1.0mm Cold-Rolled Sheet (2B)	3.15–3.45	Includes 10% import duty and domestic shipping; ASTM A240 compliant.
Chinese Domestic (Ex-Works)	10mm Hot-Rolled Plate (Pickled)	1.65–1.70	Bulk orders (≥10 tons); industrial equipment use.
Chinese Domestic (Ex-Works)	Seamless Pipe (108×4mm)	2.25–2.40	Pickled finish; high-pressure fluid transport.

Key Pricing Drivers

Nickel Costs: Account for 40–50% of production expenses. With LME nickel at ~$17,800/ton (Q4 2025), a $1,000/ton nickel price increase raises 1.4301 sheet prices by $0.25–$0.40/kg.
Supply-Demand Balance: Chinese inventory levels (620,000 tons in Q4 2025) and weak real estate/appliance demand have stabilized domestic prices, while European/US demand from automotive/medical sectors supports higher regional costs.
Processing Complexity: Cold-rolled products cost 15–20% more than hot-rolled; special finishes (e.g., BA) add 25–30% to base prices; custom cutting/sizing increases costs by 10–15%.
Certifications: FDA/ISO 13485 certification adds 3–5% to prices for food/medical use; third-party testing (SGS/BV) adds $0.10–$0.20/kg.
Regional Sourcing: Chinese manufacturers offer 20–30% savings versus European/Japanese suppliers, though import duties and logistics offset this in Western markets.

Procurement Strategies

Bulk Purchasing: Orders ≥50 tons unlock 10–15% discounts; annual supply agreements hedge against nickel price volatility.
Standard Specifications: Opt for common sizes (1220×2440mm sheets, 20mm round bars) and 2B finish to avoid custom premiums.
Regional Optimization: Source locally for European/US projects to reduce duties; use Chinese suppliers for Asian markets to cut logistics costs.
Grade Right-Sizing: Avoid over-specifying (e.g., using 1.4401/316 for mild corrosion) – 1.4301 costs 25–30% less while meeting most needs.

Conclusion

1.4301 stainless steel (X5CrNi18-10/AISI 304) remains the “workhorse” of the stainless steel industry, combining unbeatable versatility, reliable performance, and cost-effectiveness. Its compliance with global standards, adaptability to diverse fabrication processes, and resistance to mild corrosives make it the first choice for 70% of non-extreme stainless steel applications worldwide.

In 2025, its pricing remains competitive, with regional variations offering opportunities for strategic sourcing. Whether used in a skyscraper’s facade, a hospital’s surgical tools, or a factory’s chemical tanks, 1.4301 delivers consistent value that few materials can match. For engineers, architects, and buyers seeking a balance of performance, availability, and cost, 1.4301 stainless steel continues to set the benchmark for austenitic stainless steels.